Mumbai cricket has entered a new chapter with the appointment of all-rounder Shardul Thakur as captain for the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced its decision following Ajinkya Rahane’s exit from the leadership role, with selectors unanimously backing Thakur to take charge of the 41-time Ranji champions.
Thakur, who has been a regular feature in both Mumbai’s domestic setup and India’s national squad, brings experience and aggression to the side. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, the 32-year-old is regarded as a natural leader and a player who thrives under pressure. His appointment signals Mumbai’s intention to build a competitive and fighting team that can replicate their title-winning form from recent seasons.
A major talking point in this decision is the exclusion of Shreyas Iyer from consideration for captaincy. Iyer, one of Mumbai’s most prominent batters in recent years, had earlier communicated to selectors his wish to step away from red-ball cricket to focus on limited-overs formats. This effectively cleared the path for Thakur to take over. The MCA’s selection panel praised Iyer’s contribution to Mumbai cricket but emphasized the need for a full-time leader committed to the demands of the Ranji Trophy season.
The squad selected for the upcoming season reflects a mix of experience and youth. Senior players like Ajinkya Rahane, Sarfaraz Khan, and Suryakumar Yadav (subject to availability) are expected to feature, providing stability to the batting lineup. Rising talents such as Musheer Khan and Angkrish Raghuvanshi are likely to play important roles, offering a glimpse of Mumbai’s future. The spin attack will again revolve around Shams Mulani, while Thakur will spearhead the pace battery alongside Mohit Avasthi and other young quicks.
MCA officials highlighted Thakur’s leadership qualities as a decisive factor. His previous experience leading Mumbai in domestic white-ball competitions and his exposure to high-pressure international cricket make him well-suited to manage the challenges of a demanding Ranji season. The selectors also believe Thakur’s aggressive, front-foot style of play will inspire the team and help maintain Mumbai’s reputation as a dominant force in red-ball cricket.
For Thakur, this appointment represents an opportunity to leave a legacy beyond individual performances. Speaking after the announcement, he reportedly expressed pride in leading Mumbai and reiterated his focus on discipline, team culture, and playing fearless cricket. His aim is not only to win matches but also to nurture younger players and prepare them for higher levels of competition.
The upcoming Ranji Trophy season will test Mumbai’s depth, with several key players likely to miss matches due to international duties. Thakur’s ability to rotate resources, manage player workloads, and keep the team competitive will be crucial.
Mumbai will begin their campaign in December, and expectations will be high for the new skipper to deliver success. With Shardul Thakur at the helm, fans will hope for a blend of grit, aggression, and consistency as Mumbai targets yet another Ranji title.
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